OK, I’ll admit that the title of this post might be a little misleading. In selecting an appropriate title, I was channelling the various ‘first day’ emotions I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling in the run-up to that first Monday morning – nervous, uncertain, excited, hopeful.

The causes of my first-day nerves were twofold – not only was I about to start at a new company, but I’m also fairly new to MedComms.

After graduating from Surrey University in 2013, I pursued a path into marketing, with previous positions affording me experience in both agency and in-house roles within the alternative finance, medical publishing, and healthcare advertising sectors as a Senior Marketing Executive. However, I recently decided to pursue a new challenge, entering the world of MedComms in an account management role.

Of course, given that I’m sharing this piece now, you will have realised that I made it through my first week – and then some. So here I am to give you the lowdown on my time at Prime Global thus far.

First day

Testament to Prime Global’s successful year of growth and expansion in 2017 (more on this here), I wasn’t the only new starter waiting in the lobby for the Office Manager to greet us on Monday morning.

We were a little early, which gave us the opportunity to admire the building’s nautical-themed interior design – a nod, perhaps, to the famous naval resident permanently moored on the banks of the Thames just opposite.

After a tour of the building and a meet and greet with all the agencies, I was shown to my desk and presented with an induction pack brimming with everything I could ever need to know about Prime Global and its family of agencies, including a staff handbook, in-house guidelines and processes to ensure quality and compliance, and other useful general information.

As part of my induction my diary was already filled with meetings to keep me busy for the first couple of weeks and familiarise myself with the internal workings of the agencies – introductions with all the agency leads and a meet and greet with the CEO, Graeme Peterson.

I also felt that being presented with my own mug and a bottle of champagne was a particularly nice touch!

People

I knew from my research before accepting the role that Prime Global’s ethos is to put people first. And it makes sense. Looking after your team fosters a positive working environment and ensures that people are working to the best of their ability, allowing talent, creativity and innovation to flourish.

I’m surrounded by very qualified and knowledgeable people who are very good at what they do. Thankfully, the motto is to share the knowledge, and I’m looking forward to attending the next batch of #IGNITE training sessions held by senior members of Prime Global in early 2018.

From day 1 I have very much felt like I’m part of something bigger at Prime Global. The regular team ‘huddles’ and monthly newsletter provide company-wide updates, celebrate successes, and give the lowdown on what’s to come. Team members have been welcoming and inclusive. A range of social activities are regularly organised so new starters and individuals from different agencies can get to know each another. It’s also exciting to know that I have the chance to head up to Knutsford in Cheshire or across the pond to New York if the occasion permits.

Clients

Due to client confidentiality, I’m unable to say many of the things I’d love to say about the exciting projects I’ve been given the opportunity to work on. What I will say, however, is that Spark has the honour of working with some of the biggest companies in the industry, supporting them on innovative projects that place them at the forefront of their respective therapy areas.

Verdict

As you might have guessed, I’m awarding a big thumbs-up to Prime Global for a thoroughly enjoyable first week. A special mention must go to the stunning panoramic views of the Thames, the Shard, and Tower Bridge from our rooftop cafe.

Here’s a couple of photos I took on Friday night after my first week to show you exactly what I mean. Brilliant!

The Prime Global Group is expanding its senior leadership team with the appointment of Victoria Boswell-Smith, PhD, as Vice President of Client Services, based in their London office. Victoria will be leading Core Medica Ltd and Paragon Medica Ltd whilst current VP, Katherine Kibble, is on maternity leave. Victoria will also be providing support to Onyx Ltd, the Group’s rare diseases agency.